Aerial spraying gets the green light

The Oswego County Health Department just confirmed that aerial spraying of pesticides will begin at 7 p.m. tonight and continue until approximately 9 p.m. The spraying is necessary, health department officials said, because of the large percentage of mosquitoes found since June 25 that tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

The affected areas are along the North Shore of Oneida Lake, starting in the village of Central Square, heading east toward Toad Harbor and Big Bay and continuing to the town of Constantia.

The targeted area includes approximately 10,000 acres. The approximate boundaries are U.S. Route 11 in the west, state Route 49 in the north, the hamlet of Constantia in the east and the shoreline of Oneida Lake in the south.

During the spraying, and for one hour after it's finished, residents should stay indoors and keep their pets inside. Vents on air conditioners should be closed, as should all windows and doors. Anyone driving through the area that's being sprayed should keep their vehicle's windows and vents closed.

Vegetable gardens need to be covered, and outdoor furniture, toys and items on the clothesline should be moved indoors. Anything exposed to the pesticide must be thoroughly washed with soap and water.